Best Friends Forever: Remembering Donny Cox and Mark LaMantia

In a world where friendships are often fleeting, it's heartwarming to hear stories of lifelong bonds between people. For Donny Cox and Mark LaMantia, their friendship was truly one of a kind.

As described by Jean Plazek, Cox's wife, LaMantia was an extraordinary individual who made a lasting impact on everyone he met. With a passion for flying, engineering, and music, LaMantia's adventurous spirit inspired those around him to pursue their own dreams. Whether it was helping student interns or taking his friends on exciting trips, LaMantia's kind heart and generous nature touched countless lives.

Cox, who worked as an engineer at Carclo Technical Plastics in Latrobe, shared LaMantia's enthusiasm for flying. He earned his commercial pilot's license in 2002 and went on to earn numerous safety awards. Together, the two friends would often go flying to places like New York, Ohio, and Maryland.

LaMantia's love of nature was evident in his fascination with rocks. He would collect geodes and 'cool looking rocks' from his travels abroad and display them proudly at home. His passion for photography and music was equally inspiring, as he would often play guitar or sing along to his favorite songs.

Tragically, both Cox and LaMantia are no longer with us today, but their legacy lives on through the countless lives they touched. As Barbara Plazek, Cox's wife, so eloquently put it: 'Once you were a friend, you were always a friend.' This is a testament to the enduring power of true friendship and the impact that two extraordinary individuals can have on the world.

In conclusion, Donny Cox and Mark LaMantia's story serves as a reminder of the importance of cherishing our friendships and pursuing our passions with enthusiasm. As we remember these two remarkable men, let us strive to embody their spirit of adventure, kindness, and generosity in our own lives.

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